Village of Scoundrels
A Novel Based on a True Story of Courage During WWII
Will be published approx. on 20. November 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-1-4197-8254-1 (ISBN)
Description
In Village of Scoundrels, Newbery Honor recipient Margi Preus tells the incredible true story of a group of French teenagers who helped save refugees in WWII.
Based on the true story of the French villagers in WWII who saved thousands of Jews, this compelling novel tells how a group of young teenagers stood up for what is right.
Among them is a young Jewish boy who learns to forge documents to save his mother and later goes on to save hundreds of lives with his forgery skills. There is also a girl who overcomes her fear to carry messages for the Resistance. And a boy who smuggles people into Switzerland.
But there is always the threat that they will be caught: A policeman is sent to keep an eye on them, German soldiers reside in a local hotel, and eventually the Gestapo arrives, armed with guns and a list of names. As the knot tightens, the young people must race against time to bring their friends to safety.
"Preus conveys the tales of heroism and resistance of the village teens with a story that is filled with suspense and intrigue . . . Readers will be inspired by these teens that stood for what is right and who, through their actions, saved the lives." -School Library Connection (Starred Review)
Based on the true story of the French villagers in WWII who saved thousands of Jews, this compelling novel tells how a group of young teenagers stood up for what is right.
Among them is a young Jewish boy who learns to forge documents to save his mother and later goes on to save hundreds of lives with his forgery skills. There is also a girl who overcomes her fear to carry messages for the Resistance. And a boy who smuggles people into Switzerland.
But there is always the threat that they will be caught: A policeman is sent to keep an eye on them, German soldiers reside in a local hotel, and eventually the Gestapo arrives, armed with guns and a list of names. As the knot tightens, the young people must race against time to bring their friends to safety.
"Preus conveys the tales of heroism and resistance of the village teens with a story that is filled with suspense and intrigue . . . Readers will be inspired by these teens that stood for what is right and who, through their actions, saved the lives." -School Library Connection (Starred Review)
Reviews / Votes
**STARRED REVIEW**"Each character's backstory is woven seamlessly into the action. Preus builds suspense and drama by following these brave souls as they take on dangerous tasks... Deeply emotional, intense, and thought-provoking." * Kirkus Reviews * **STARRED REVIEW**
"Preus conveys the tales of heroism and resistance of the village teens with a story that is filled with suspense and intrigue... Readers will be inspired by these teens that stood for what is right and who, through their actions, saved the lives." * School Library Connection * **STARRED REVIEW**
"Preus weaves the teens' backstories and individual dreams into the mounting dangers each faces and poignantly renders the quietly courageous and supportive community... An inspiring narrative founded on a real-life community and individuals." * Publishers Weekly * **STARRED REVIEW**
"Both thrilling and chilling, Village of Scoundrels will surely keep readers engrossed from start to finish." * Shelf Awareness * "Preus crafts a delicate balance of the characters' interweaving tales and the community that bands together to protect its vulnerable population." * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * "Fascinating. . . Readers inspired by communities making a difference-and in WWII and Holocaust history-will find much of interest here." * Booklist *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Abrams
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Fifth Grade to Ninth Grade, Interest Age: From 10 to 14 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 209 mm
Width: 142 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
281 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4197-8254-1 (9781419782541)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Margi Preus is the author of the Newbery Honor book Heart of a Samurai and other books for young readers. Her books have won multiple awards, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, been honored as ALA/ALSC Notables, selected as an NPR Backseat Book Club pick, chosen for community reads, and translated into many languages. When not writing, Margi enjoys traveling, speaking, and visiting schools all over the world. At home in Duluth, MN, she likes to ski, hike, paddle, or sit quietly with a book in her lap.